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Ask, Learn and Understand Medicare – with a Little Help from HAP Reminder: Medicare Annual Open Enrollment Period is October 15, 2012 – December 7, 2012

DETROIT – Nov. 1, 2012 – Medicare beneficiaries have a window of opportunity now through December 7, 2012, to review their medical needs and determine if they need to make any changes for coverage in 2013. Health Alliance Plan (HAP) has two free, no-obligation booklets available to anyone with questions about Medicare – "Making Sense of Medicare" and "Health Reform – Improving Medicare Part D."

"We encourage Medicare beneficiaries to make the time to do a personal health assessment to determine if they have any changes they need to make for 2013," said Karen Wintringham, HAP vice president, Medicare Programs. "Medical needs can change in a short time. We have excellent educational tools for beneficiaries, their families and caregivers about Medicare options and what to consider as beneficiaries make their decisions for 2013."

Consumers can request a free copy of "Making Sense of Medicare" and "Health Reform – Improving Medicare Part D" by calling 800-971-7878.

HAP also has a series of four short "Medicare in Minutes" videos offering easy-to-understand information to consumers and Medicare beneficiaries in a compelling whiteboard style format. Consumers can watch the videos online at www.hap.org/medicare101.

Important information for Medicare beneficiaries:
The Medicare annual Open Enrollment Period runs from October 15, 2012 through December 7, 2012. Coverage for individuals who enroll during this period begins January 1, 2013. Now is the time for Medicare beneficiaries who do not receive coverage through an employer to review their current medical and prescription drug needs, and to decide if they want to change their coverage for 2013. Those who have health benefits from an employer group plan should ask the company or union for advice before signing up for any plan.